Rochelle Smith, LMFT - Therapist in California

Warm interactive style
Skill building focus
Trauma informed care

About Rochelle

Rochelle Smith is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California with 12 years of experience. She focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, mood challenges, addiction, and the fallout from trauma. Her style is warm and interactive, and she aims to create a respectful, compassionate space where people can start making changes.

Rochelle uses a blend of approaches to match each person’s needs. She draws on Client-Centered methods to follow the person’s goals and perspective. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify unhelpful thought patterns and build new skills for daily life. Dialectical Behavior Therapy ideas help with emotional regulation and stronger coping when feelings run high.

Her caseload has included concerns such as depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, grief, and relationship and intimacy issues. Rochelle also supports people dealing with caregiving strain, body-image and eating issues, chronic illness, and the stress of separation or divorce. She lists coping with natural or human-caused disaster among her additional focus areas.

Sessions emphasize practical steps, straightforward communication, and collaboration on goals. Rochelle avoids labels that shame and instead helps people name what’s happening and try concrete strategies. She encourages small, steady changes and will adjust the plan as progress is seen.

To begin, she asks people to reflect on what matters most to them and to bring those priorities into the first sessions. Her approach aims to combine steady support with hands-on tools for managing life’s challenges.

How Rochelle’s approaches translate to remote work

Client-Centered Therapy centers the person’s priorities and uses active listening to shape sessions around what matters most. This approach helps people clarify goals and feel heard while deciding what to change. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on practical skills to shift thinking and behavior, useful for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and many daily challenges. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers concrete tools for managing strong emotions and improving coping when stress feels overwhelming.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Rochelle will discuss options and collaborate with each person to pick methods that fit their goals and preferences. She adapts techniques over time if something isn’t working or needs to be adjusted.

Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, such as allowing appointments during a lunch break or reducing travel time. It can also support varied check-ins - for example shorter conversations on a tough day or longer sessions when major decisions are being worked through. Licensed professionals can tailor pacing and tools so therapy fits everyday schedules without losing focus on progress.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression

Also works with

Family conflictsTrauma and abuse GriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAttachment issuesBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stress Chronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issues Mood disordersMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

12+ years

Credentials

California

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Rochelle commonly address?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, bipolar disorder, ADHD, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, and trauma related concerns.

How would you describe her therapy style?

Her style is warm and interactive, emphasizing respect and compassion while avoiding shaming labels.

What is her professional background and experience?

She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 12 years of experience working with a wide range of mental health and life challenges.

Where is she licensed and based?

She holds a CA LMFT license and practices in California.

Which languages are supported in sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the U.S. work with her?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

How are fees and payment handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to begin therapy?

Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.